There is so much to prepare for when you’re expecting a baby! You’ve gotta make sure you have clothes, diapers & wipes, and plenty of baby gear!
If you’re preparing to breastfeed (which I’d highly encourage!) there are a few breastfeeding supplies you should have on hand before your baby’s arrival.
That way, you’re prepared and can set yourself up for a successful breastfeeding journey from the beginning.
Trust me, I should know. I have breastfed 7 babies so far for a combined total of over 10 years of breastfeeding!
Must-Have Breastfeeding Essentials
The following is a list of items I’ve made sure to have on hand before my little one arrives. Some of these things I did not have when I had my first baby but I learned my lesson for future babies.
They are now definitely breastfeeding essentials for me!
Below that, I’ve taken the time to link all of my favorite breastfeeding products for your convenience. I always recommend these items to new moms.
Nursing Pads
For the first few months of breastfeeding, your breasts are going to leak. The leak won’t be constant but I promise you, it can happen very suddenly.
You’ll be walking through the grocery store or sound asleep at 2am and all of a sudden, you get a let-down.
You can nurse your baby while trying to fill your cart with groceries (yes, I’ve done it before) or wake that sleeping infant to have them eat, but you’re still going to get leakage from the breast that is not being used.
After a few weeks, sometimes months, you won’t get the spontaneous let-downs anymore (or at least not as frequently) but you may still have leakage from the breast that’s not being nursed.
Luckily, they make breast pads for this issue and as long as you remember to use them, you won’t be embarrassed by big wet spots on your shirts or a bed that’s drenched with milk midway through the night (yes, been there too!).
I recommend having both disposable nursing pads and washable breast pads. While I prefer the reusable nursing pads, sometimes they are so thick that they are noticeable through your shirt.
When I’m around the house though, I don’t really care about that.
You want to be sure to change your breast pads when they get wet so having reusable ones makes it easy to refresh your pads as often as needed without feeling like you are throwing money in the trash can every time you need to swap them.
Nursing Bras or Nursing Tanks
Your breasts are not going to be the same size while breastfeeding that they were pre-pregnancy, or even during your pregnancy (they probably grew) so you’re going to need to buy new bras or a supportive breastfeeding tank top for the girls.
I go from a 32A to a 36D when my milk comes in, then settle into a 34B/C after a few months of nursing, as my milk supply regulates. I prefer nursing tanks over bras for two reasons:
- By wearing a nursing tank, when I nurse in public and need to lift my shirt, my stomach is still covered. This keeps me warm in the winter and keeps me from having my stomach hanging out which, well, I just don’t want.
- I have found that nursing tanks are more comfortable to me and fit my changing breast sizes better than nursing bras.
It can be hard to know exactly what size to purchase which is why I’d recommend just purchasing 2 or 3 bras/tanks to start.
I find that the size that fits at the end of my pregnancy (36 weeks and beyond) is the size I end up wearing for the first few days after baby is born (while waiting for my milk to come in) and then again from about 3 months on.
For the first few weeks of breastfeeding (thanks to engorgement), I need to go up a size from that.
Every woman is going to be different, but if I was going to guess you, I’d say purchase 1 nursing tank to fit you at about the 36-week mark and then purchase a second one in one size bigger (cup and band).
Then once you know for sure what your size(s) will be, you can order more.
I keep a stash of 34B/C and 36 D/E tanks on hand myself.
Hands-Free Pumping Bra
If you plan to return to work after the baby, you’ll want to have a few hands-free pumping bras.
I would recommend that you start out just by purchasing one first to make sure you like that particular brand/style, and then if you do, purchase a few more.
Lansinoh Lanolin or Another Nipple Cream
Those first few weeks, especially when it’s your first time nursing, can be brutal. In fact, if this is the first time you’ll be breastfeeding, I’d encourage you to read my post about the sucky truth about breastfeeding.
I share a lot in that article about things I wish someone else had told me about breastfeeding before my first baby was born.
Some ladies experience cracked nipples that literally bleed. While I have escaped that horror, my breasts are often tender for the first 3 months after giving birth.
My nipples are always so sore during the first few weeks that when the shower water hits them, it feels like nails.
Trust me, sore nipples are not something you want to tackle without lanolin or another nipple cream to help soothe them.
Sure, you might be one of the lucky ladies who doesn’t have to deal with any of these issues, but you don’t want to find yourself with a cracked nipple, sore, and bleeding without some relief! Lanolin is #1 recommended by lactation consultants in the USA.
As a bonus, if you don’t end up using the entire tube, I find it is also great for treating sore, chapped lips. No need to let it go to waste!
Breast Therapy Gel Packs
Like Lanolin, these types of Breast Therapy Gel Packs are important for your comfort during the early days of breastfeeding.
If you experience engorgement (which many moms do) using gel packs as cold therapy can be a welcome, soothing relief.
You can also use it as hot therapy should you develop a plugged duct or mastitis or use them as a pumping aid to help you achieve a let-down.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets
This might seem like an odd item to add to the list, but I have found my muslin blankets to be very valuable while breastfeeding.
I keep one with me at all times because they make great nursing covers and double as soft, large burp rags.
I also often put one underneath the baby in case he/she has a diaper blowout while nursing, especially if we aren’t home.
While you could use any blanket for this purpose, I really like the muslin blankets because they are light and breathable.
Uterine Relaxant
Not everyone will experience afterbirth pains with their first child, but I did. No one had ever warned me about them so I was completely caught off guard.
It is said that they get worse with every new baby.
Afterbirth pains are contractions in the uterus that feel like bad menstrual cramps. Breastfeeding triggers them for the first 24-72 hours or so after giving birth.
Truly they are a good thing because they are helping to shrink your uterus, but they can be rather painful on a body that is already sore.
I have found that WishGarden’s After Ease tincture helps a lot and I start using that normally the second time I nurse my newborn.
Breastfeeding Pillow
Nursing pillows elevate your newborn to an ergonomic position for breastfeeding, helping to relieve your arms and back.
You can use some regular pillows if you can’t afford a nursing pillow, but nursing pillows are shaped perfectly to wrap around your body while you nurse.
Look for one that is machine washable (your baby is bound to have spit-up and diaper blowout accidents) and/or offers available covers to limit washings of the entire pillow.
Electric Breast Pump
When I had my first baby, I purchased a cheap battery-powered pump. I planned to be a stay-at-home mom and figured I wouldn’t really need to pump very often, so I assumed any pump would be sufficient.
Boy was I wrong.
Maybe it was the brand I purchased, but this pump was horrible. I had trouble achieving a let-down with it and even when I could, I still had trouble getting very much milk out.
Then I got a new double electric pump. What. A. Difference! I was finally able to not only achieve a let-down but get a lot of milk out too.
A good breast pump is now on my list of must-have baby gear items and most definitely a must-have breastfeeding essential!
Even if you plan to stay home with your child, I’d still encourage you to pump and save at least a small stockpile of breast milk. You never know what might come up.
For instance, while breastfeeding my second child, my grandmother unexpectedly suffered a bad stroke. I needed to visit her at a hospital 3 hours away.
Not only did my son hate the car (and would have probably cried the entire time we were driving there), most hospitals don’t want you to bring children into them.
Luckily, I had enough milk for him in my freezer and was able to have someone watch him for the day. Plus, I had my pump to take with me for the trip.
If you plan on returning to work, you’ll want to start pumping early on so you can have a large stockpile ready to go when you head back to work.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Obviously, if you’re pumping, you’re going to need milk storage bags for all of that milk. Make sure you look for bags that are BPA-Free.
I prefer bags that lie flat for freezing and are easy to pour into bottles once thawed.
If you’re looking for a cheap storage system for your milk, check out this DIY Easy Breast Milk Storage System!
Bottles
If you’re pumping and storing milk, you also need to have bottles on hand. The number of bottles you’ll need will depend on whether you’ll be returning to work outside of the home and away from your baby
Burp Cloths
Your baby is going to spit up and having a burp cloth can help to save her clothes and yours!
Bibs
Soft cotton bibs are another great way to save your baby’s clothes from frequent spit-up.
Snacks
It’s important to eat enough calories while nursing. Having healthy snacks on hand is a must! I try to keep fruits and veggies that are easy to grab and eat. I also like to have prepackaged snacks I can grab easily.
And yes, while I try to keep my snacking healthy, sometimes we can all use a sweet snack too, so I keep some of those on hand as well.
Nursing Cover
This is going to depend on your personal preference. Plenty of breastfeeding moms do not use one, but I find them really useful at times.
My Favorite Breastfeeding Supplies Buying Guide
Below is a lineup of my personal favorite breastfeeding essential items, brands, etc. These are the items that made my breastfeeding experience so much better!
Best Breast Feeding Essentials
Here's a list of my favorite must-have breastfeeding products.
Recommended by Breastfeeding Experts and Moms, the Evenflo Feeding Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump is designed so you never have to sacrifice your milk, your comfort, or your time.
To maximize your milk output, use the independent speed and suction controls on your pump to mimic your baby’s nursing pattern. These controls are designed to help you have multiple milk releases (letdowns) and ensure you get the most milk out of each pumping session.
To help keep you comfortable, multiple flange sizes are included. The flange is the part of the pump you place against your breast. A proper flange fit is important – it not only gives you a comfortable, more gentle pumping experience but also equates to more milk. If the flange does not fit properly, you may experience discomfort and/or a decrease in your milk expression.
The closed system design makes this pump hygienic, easy to clean, and helps prevent milk back up in the tubing and pump motor, keeping parts clean, dry, and functioning properly.
Having a quiet breast pump and multiple power sources will give you the freedom and flexibility you need to pump in almost any location. The Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump has multiple power options including an AC Adapter, AA Batteries (sold separately), and the Evenflo Feeding Car Adapter (sold separately).
This deluxe package also contains a variety of pumping accessories, including a carryall shoulder bag, an insulated cooler bag, three ice packs, and two extra breast milk collection bottles.
Some women prefer glass bottles and others prefer plastic. For me, I like glass. Sure, they are heavier and more fragile, but I feel like glass is the healthiest and it's going to hold onto any odors and clean up easily.
These glass bottles are built TOUGH and the shape is just right for holding. The gift set includes:
(2) 8 oz Bottles
(3) 5 oz Bottles
(1) 8 oz Silicone Sleeve
(1) 5 oz Silicone Sleeve
(1) Silinoogie Pacifier
(1) Preemie Nipples
(2) Breast Pump Adapters
(2) Sealing Caps
(1) Bottle & Nipple Brush
I prefer nursing tanks over nursing bras. In fact, I would say that I wear a nursing tank 98% of the time instead of a nursing bra. I find them to be much more comfortable and modest. They also help keep me warmer in the colder months.
I was introduced to Kindred Bravely about a year ago and have grown to just LOVE this brand. So many great clothes for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. You'll love their selection!
I have a special discount code for my readers! Use code ‘THRIFTYNIFTYMOMMY20’ to save 20% on your Kindred Bravely purchase. (Discount does not apply to SmartTrack Systems, bundles, clearance items, or gift cards.)
After pumping, you're going to need breast milk storage bags to save your milk. Evenflo's breast milk storage bags have a convenient tear-off top that creates an easy-to-use pour spout, so you can avoid spills when pouring it into a bottle.
The Evenflo Balance + Standard Neck Bottle was developed with a unique and intentional nipple shape to allow for a proper latch along with an adjusted flow rate that promotes a comfortable drinking pace for your baby. These are key components that help support healthy bottle-feeding without interfering with your personal breastfeeding journey.
The gentle feeding system also comes with Evenflo's patented Proflo venting technology that reduces the potential for colic, reflux, gas, and fussiness.
Whether you breastfeed, bottlefeed, or a combination of both, there is a good chance that your baby will spit up sometimes. A great set of burp cloths is a must-have, like the organic 5-packs from KeaBaby.
You will likely go through a few of these each day early on, so depending on how often you plan to wash laundry, you may want to get a couple of five packs so you have plenty. I usually have around 20 so I never run out of clean ones.
You HAVE to have nursing pads when you're breastfeeding, especially during the first few weeks and months. I like to have a good amount of reusable and disposable breast pads. When I'm home, I always use reusable pads. When I'm out, I usually choose my breast pads based on what I'm wearing. For some shirts, it's easier to wear disposable pads more discreetly, but whenever I can wear reusable, I do.
I've tried a few different types of reusable breast pads over the years and I have found these organic breast pads from Kea Babies to not only be very affordable but absorbent and super soft too. I love them!
I love dresses for maternity and nursing periods because they can fit your body through many changes as you grow and then sink back down again.
This dress is designed to wear before, during, and after your pregnancy and is made of super-soft, premium bamboo fabric. Lightweight and breathable with a relaxed fit, it’s perfect for warmer weather. The fabric stretches with you throughout your pregnancy, and the nursing panel makes it easy to feed your little one at home or on the go. This dress has everything you need, even pockets!
I have a special discount code for my readers! Use code ‘THRIFTYNIFTYMOMMY20’ to save 20% on your Kindred Bravely purchase. (Discount does not apply to SmartTrack Systems, bundles, clearance items, or gift cards.)
The Evenflo Silicone Steam Sanitizing Bag is designed to help eliminate dirt from most pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, and more.
Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this patent-pending, eco-friendly bag is more durable than plastic alternatives and can be used over and over again, creating less waste for the environment.
To sanitize, simply add 2 oz. of water, your microwave-safe items, and place in the microwave for the instructed amount of time. The self-standing bag will maintain a stable upright position while in use, and the Safe-Grip corners provide a place for safer, cooler handling.
This durable silicone bag is not only great for sanitizing, but can also be used for snacks, storage, and more.
LaVie's Warming Lactation Massage Pads bring together heat and vibration to make your pumping and nursing experience better. Say hello to improved milk flow, quicker pumping sessions, and clogged duct prevention. These massage pads are the breastfeeding game-changer you have been waiting for!
LaVie's Lactation Massage Roller takes the work of breast massage off your hands while still delivering the same results. This must-have tool improves milk flow, breaks down clogs, and helps stimulate milk production.
Pumping and nursing moms, meet your new favorite bra! The Pump Strap helps make pumping easier and faster. It is designed to compress the breasts which helps improve milk flow. The LaVie Pumping & Nursing Bra adjusts with you during any and all stages of your postpartum pregnancy body. Its design is simple, effective, machine washable, and has a sturdy velcro closure.
I must admit, I'm a bit obsessed with muslin swaddle blankets. They are SO versatile! In those early days of breastfeeding, I like to swaddle my newborns before I latch them on so that way, when they fall asleep after nursing (which happens a lot) I can just transfer them to the crib or bassinet without waking them.
Muslin swaddle blankets also work great as a nursing cover or placed between mom and baby to protect against blowouts (especially if you are out and can't easily change your clothes!).
I love Little Unicorn swaddle blankets because they are high-quality and super soft. They also have so many great colors and prints to choose from!
When I think of a breast pillow, the Boppy brand is the first brand that comes to mind! Boppy's Luxe Nursing Pillow provides support for you and your baby with plush, hypoallergenic fiberfill. This original award-winning Boppy Pillow has a removable pillow cover to easily clean as well as many luxury fabric designs to choose from!
I love to wear dresses to church on Sunday but that's always a bit more complicated when you're breastfeeding a baby. On a number of occasions, I have sought out dresses with ease of breastfeeding in mind, and I was delighted to discover this dress from Kindred Bravely.
This breezy nursing maxi dress is a must-have summer staple. It’s a modern take on a maxi dress with a minimalist style, charming back detail, and convenient pockets.
It has a discreet nursing panel designed to look like a cami; to nurse, simply pull down the flattering scoop neck. This nursing dress is cut for maximum comfort with a flowing silhouette and two side slits for easy movement, and it works for pregnancy too.
The premium fabric is designed to be lightweight, moisture-wicking, UV protectant, and super-soft.
You can save 20% by using code "ThriftyNiftyMommy" too!
I've had six babies and they have all dealt with various degrees of spit-up when breastfeeding. My first baby had it the worst. She would nurse and then out of the blue, a few minutes later, she would suddenly spit up a large amount. And when I say large amount, I mean a large amount!
Often the spit-up would happen so much later after we were done nursing that I would have already moved her away from a burp cloth. Having something like these bandana bibs on her while she was breastfeeding was a great way to keep her clothes clean afterward.
KeaBabies has a huge variety of colors and prints so you are sure to find ones you'll love!
Lots of skin-to-skin contact is so beneficial for breastfeeding, especially in the first few days and weeks. The Nesting Days baby carrier is just what you need to make that convenient! It's easy to use, super comfy, and perfect for snuggling up with your newborn.
Not only is it good for skin-to-skin time, but it's also great for breastfeeding! As a busy mom, I appreciate being able to breastfeed my baby while babywearing so I can get other things done.
There are plenty of moms who don't feel like a nursing cover is essential for breastfeeding. And for some mothers, it's not. For me though, especially with my first babies and during the early months of breastfeeding, I found it much easier to breastfeed my babies in public when I had a cover. I even found that a cover often made it easier for my older babies to stop being nosey when we were out and just concentrate on nursing when it was time.
I really like these covers because they are stretchy, go all the way around me, and you can use them for other things too, like a car seat cover to share the sun or keep out blowing wind in the winter.
I first heard of Junobie on one of my favorite tv shows - Shark Tank! Junobie is the world’s first reusable breast milk bag! These eco-friendly breast milk bags provide a plastic-free breast milk storage option that conveniently fits in the fridge and freezer, and is dishwasher-safe!
This kit is the perfect starter set for breastfeeding moms!
If you are struggling with your milk supply, Milky Mama will be your new best friend!
Milky Mama's product line includes delicious products that can help you increase your milk supply! Milky Mama offers Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Emergency Brownies, Tropical Iced Tea, Lactation LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, and Herbal Supplements.
Milky Mama products are made with natural ingredients and have been formulated by a registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant!
I've personally tried a few of their products and they truly taste incredible. You're going to love them!
Breastfeeding moms need to make sure they are eating enough calories. As a mom who has breastfed 6 babies now, I can tell you that sometimes that's tough. You get busy with baby, busy with housework, busy cooking, busy with other kids, etc. That's why I like to keep a variety of prepackaged snacks that I can eat when I sit down to nurse, like Sweet Chaos Popcorn.
It comes in a variety of delicious flavors like Sea Salt, Kettle Corn, White Cheddar, and even sweeter varieties like Kettle Corn with Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter Drizzle, Kettle Corn with Dark and White Chocolate Drizzle, and Kettle Corn with Peanut Butter Cup Drizzle.
You can find it in a number of stores in person or order online through Amazon.
Another great snack I like to keep around is Jax's Monster Mix. This snack mix is a peanut-free, all-natural & gluten-free, better-for-you blend of sesame sticks, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and coconut chips.
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of nuts, so I was excited to find a snack mix that didn't have them in it! The packages are small enough to tuck into a diaper bag or purse so you'll always have a snack when you get hungry, whether you're at home, at work, or on the go.
Final Advice
While it can sometimes be challenging and there were times I thought about calling it quits, it’s a beautiful experience that I’m so grateful to have been able to share with each of my children.
If you have any questions as you embark on this journey, feel free to comment below or send me a private email.
Also, reach out to a lactation consultant right away if you encounter any issues, especially if you are a first-time breastfeeding mother. These health professionals are here to help, and they can be a valuable resource!
Related Posts
- This lactation cookies recipe is easy to fix and they are so yummy! I love them!
- Check out my Lansinoh SignaturePro Double Electric Pump Review.
- I also have a Lansinoh SmartPump Double Electric Pump Review.
- 50 hilarious Breastfeeding Memes to make you laugh through your breastfeeding journey.
Ashley Parks
Tuesday 22nd of March 2022
This is a great list Janessa! I breastfed my 3 kiddos for a total of over 5.5 years and I used most of these things! The nursing pillow was my best friend! I never did use a handsfree pumping bra, but I didn't pump much after my first baby. I've heard good things about them though! I also gave up on the nursing cover after the first too and found I could use my own clothes and a burp cloth to be discreet. I love the KeaBabies Multi-Use Cover for covering car seat though!!
Lauryn R
Wednesday 9th of March 2022
This is a fantastic list of supplies you need for breast feeding, thank you so much for sharing! You can never be too prepared for this, in my opinion. One thing that I unfortunately never had was an electric breast pump, so this is a must for me when I have another.
Shauna W
Tuesday 16th of April 2019
Great article. I didn't breastfeed my first but I'm pregnant again and thinking I will breastfeed this time. I really love how you didn't push breastfeeding in this post, and were honest about the downsides. So thank you for a non judgemental informative post.
Alice F
Thursday 3rd of January 2019
These are great tips! Also, I think these items make a great list of items that would make wonderful Baby Shower gifts.
Jamie
Wednesday 13th of April 2016
This is great. I'm due in September with my second, but it will be my first time breastfeeding. I am wondering, how does the Aden and Anias pillow compare to the Boppy? I have a Boppy, but since I live in the South, where it is warm most of the year, I'm a huge fan of muslin and a muslin pillow might be nice to when we're home and outside both for nursing and as a support pillow for baby.
Janessa
Wednesday 13th of April 2016
I love muslin too! I really like the aden + anais pillow, but I'm not sure if it would really be any cooler. It's very supportive though and I love the muslin look of it.